Rice

Dr. Barbara Valent - Genetics and functional genomics of the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe grisea and its host, Oryza sativa with a focus on molecular understanding of the "gene-for-gene" surveillance systems by which plants detect and defend themselves against pathogens. Analysis of the AVR-Pita and Pi-ta resistance gene system for elucidation of recognition and triggering mechanisms, defense signal transduction pathways and defense responses. Understanding avirulence gene functions in the infection process. Population biology of fungal avirulence genes as an aid to R gene deployment.